Milan Centrale clock detail by Chic n Cheap Living

CnC Living Travel log: Wandering around Milan and Basel

June 18, 2013

One of my favorite ways to get to know a city is to walk its streets.

Milan is a wonderful walking city and it is great to begin a leisurely walking tour at Il Duomo (I wrote about Il Duomo and the la Rinascente department store here) to take in glorious views, delicious food, and beautiful pieces of history.  One of the things I appreciate so much about Manhattan at and lament about in more ancient cities is the lack of a grid structure.  Streets may run haphazardly into each other and may be perpendicular at one point, but parallel at other points.  It may get somewhat confusing to walk around and my husband was already conscious of referring to the map so often (that’s not him below though, that’s just some dude).
Milan alley by Chic n Cheap Living

Tip: Always have  a physical or digital map handy to have a general sense of the area and stay on course.  If you get lost, try to find a hotel.  There is a good chance the concierge will speak English and can point you in the right direction.

We would start off from Centrale station, which is just a beautiful station with ancient grand pillars, but modern conveniences like luggage belts by the stairs as well.Milan Centrale clock by Chic n Cheap Living Milan Centrale clock  detail by Chic n Cheap Living Milan Centrale luggage conveyor belt by Chic n Cheap Living
We took time to just sit back and people watch as well.
Milan back of bike by Chic n Cheap Living
Heyyy Romeo!
Milan balcony by Chic n Cheap Living Milan street musician by Chic n Cheap Living

Or have tiramisu.  Italy? Tiramisu? Ohhhh yeah (healthy eating pause for vacation!) This was at Cantina della Ventra and it was a great, restaurant with solid food and efficient, friendly service.
Milan Cantina della Vetra table by Chic n Cheap Living Milan Cantina della Vetra tiramisu by Chic n Cheap Living

I had serious, trench regret after seeing this woman’s trench coat. This was right after I turned down the most exquisite Burberry trench coat at an outlet store (it was still very pricey). Burberry trench coat, I’m coming for you some day!
Milan trench in action by Chic n Cheap Living Milan tram by Chic n Cheap Living
We took a train ride to visit my friend in Basel, Switzerland for a few days.  The four hour ride through the mountains was really relaxing and it was so cool to pass by snow capped mountains and waterfalls!
Switzerland waterfall by Chic n Cheap Living Switzerland house from train by Chic n Cheap Living
Basel is Switzerland’s third most populous city with a bit over 500,000 inhabitants (800,000 if you count its suburbs in France and Germany!)
Basel bahnhof by Chic n Cheap Living
This city in the center of Switzerland, France and Germany is known for its vibrant museums as well as booming pharmaceuticals industry.  I have fewer pictures here because of the rain, but did like the courtyard of the Kuntmuseum.
Basel Kuntsmuseum window by Chic n Cheap Living Basel Rhine river by Chic n Cheap LivingBasel Kuntsmuseum sky by Chic n Cheap Living
I hope you enjoyed taking a tour of Milan and Basel with me! I had an unfortunate incident at Paper Moon restaurant (err, uncooked meat is not cool), but they are offering to invite me back as their guest so maybe I’ll be back some day!  Either way, both Milan and Basel were beautiful cities and I am happy to share more tips if you need any!

little luxury list

All posts
  • Kim of A Very Sweet Blog June 18, 2013 at 08:56

    I heard about Italy’s streets in a documentary. HaHa Switzerland is beautiful! Thanks for sharing these pics 😀

  • krystal/village June 18, 2013 at 10:21

    i just spent all of saturday walking in milan from the central station down to the canals! so fun!!

  • erika ~TiptoeButterfly~ June 18, 2013 at 11:21

    my co-workers brother lives in Basel – i DREAM of moving to Switzerland – when i went there yearS ago i said i WILL LIVE HERE – it’s breathtaking – sorry haven’t been on the ‘blog’ scene for a bit – hope all is well friend!

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living June 18, 2013 at 11:33

      Hey there dear! I popped by your blog today and was wondering how you were doing. Switzerland is so peaceful and idyllic. I hope you visit again soon!

  • Emma (fluff and fripperies) June 18, 2013 at 11:58

    I love your travel posts – the photos in this are fantastic!

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living June 18, 2013 at 21:13

      Emma, thanks for the sweet comments! I am always trying to improve my photography and I’m glad people like the photos!

  • melissa blake June 18, 2013 at 12:41

    What beautiful photos!!

  • Akaleistar June 18, 2013 at 12:59

    Looks like a wonderful time!

  • Ali Mackin June 18, 2013 at 13:32

    Wow you are like the third blogger I have read this morning who is going to Italy this summer. Great photos, so jealous. STILL trying to get to Paris. Excited to hear of the rest of your adventures. Following via Bloglovin!

    Ali of

    Dressing Ken

  • Coco June 18, 2013 at 17:13

    Were you here recently? I live very close to Milan! Great pics as always!
    xoxo
    Coco et La vie en rose
    Coco et La vie en rose on Bloglovin
    Coco et La vie en rose on Facebook

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living June 18, 2013 at 23:44

      Coco, I was there a few weeks ago. I didn’t realize you lived close to Milan! It is such a lovely city. Perhaps I can see you another time!

  • Stacey June 18, 2013 at 23:03

    You know how much I love tiramisu right? There is an Italian restaurant here and the owners are from Napoli. I get my tiramisu fix there because I’m very picky about the authenticity of tiramisu here in the States! Lol! I loved, loved the Duomo when I went to Milan. I think my mouth was opened for a min. In awe the first time I saw it. Impressive building. We drove through Switzerland on road trips to Germany. Beautiful place! I was drooling over all your pics on Insta. Great pics you took too! Thanks for sharing with us:-)

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living June 18, 2013 at 23:47

      Thanks for the sweet comments Stacey! I was pretty good about sharing pictures on Instagram when I was on my trip. There is just so much to see and do!

      Mmm tiramisu. I am picky about my tiramisu and one of the best ones I’ve ever had is made by an Italian friend (messy and gooey, but SO delicious!)

  • Lyddiegal June 18, 2013 at 23:24

    I love going to big cities because everyone you see is so stylish! You totally need to fulfill your trench dreams.
    and you never eat healthy on vacation – you just walk all those calories off!

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living June 18, 2013 at 23:52

      There is a reason we are blog buddies Lydia – yes to a luxurious trench coat some day and to lots of tiramisu on vacation!

  • Punctuation Mark June 19, 2013 at 14:58

    Milan is amazing… i loooooove that city!

  • Lately on Instagram

    ×
    WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com